What should be done for a 10-year-old child with persistent high fever?

Jan 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, a high fever refers to a high body temperature. A persistent high fever in a 10-year-old child may be related to an immature thermoregulatory center, excessive warming, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, pneumonia, or other causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow the doctor's guidance for treatments such as general care and medication. A balanced diet is also recommended to help alleviate symptoms.

Generally speaking, high fever refers to high body temperature. A persistent high fever in a 10-year-old child may be related to an immature body temperature regulation center, excessive warming, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, pneumonia, and other causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow a doctor's guidance for treatments such as general care and medication. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Immature Temperature Regulation Center

The thermoregulatory center of a 10-year-old child is not yet fully developed and is sensitive to environmental temperature changes, making it prone to thermoregulatory imbalance and resulting in high fever due to external factors. Parents should ensure the environmental temperature is appropriate, avoiding extremes of cold or heat.

2. Excessive Warming

Parents often worry about children catching a chill and may overdress them or cover them with too many blankets, preventing effective dissipation of body heat and causing high fever. Parents should adjust children's clothing appropriately according to weather changes and avoid excessive warming.

3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections are usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. After invading the body, viruses or bacteria stimulate an immune response and trigger the release of large amounts of inflammatory mediators, leading to elevated body temperature. Symptoms typically include nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough. Medications such as oseltamivir phosphate granules, compound paracetamol and amantadine tablets, and azithromycin tablets should be used according to medical advice.

4. Acute Gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is often caused by unclean food or overeating. Gastrointestinal inflammation triggers a systemic stress response, causing elevated body temperature. Symptoms generally include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Under a doctor's recommendation, medications such as enteritis ling tablets, compound berberine tablets, and loperamide hydrochloride capsules may be used for treatment.

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is usually caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma infecting the lungs. Lung inflammation intensifies the body's immune response, causing high fever. Symptoms may also include coughing, sputum production, and rapid breathing. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, and paracetamol tablets may be used for treatment.

During treatment and recovery, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and consume adequate electrolytes and nutrients, which can benefit symptom relief.